Moravian Ginger Cookies II

Description

These crispy molasses cookies are flavored with cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice. Try using whole wheat flour for all or part of the all-purpose flour.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup molasses

• 1/4 cup shortening

• 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1 pinch ground nutmeg

• 1 dash ground allspice

• 1 cup confectioners' sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 1/2 tablespoons half-and-half cream

Directions

1 Mix molasses, shortening and brown sugar in a large bowl. Stir in flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and spices. Cover and refrigerate about 4 hours or until firm.

2 Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

3 Roll half of the dough at a time to 1/8 inch thickness or paper-thin on a floured cloth-covered surface. Cut into 3 inch rounds with floured cutter.

4 Place about 1/2 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 1/8 inch thick cookies about 8 minutes; paper-thin cookies about 5 minutes or until light brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheet. Cool completely.

5 To Make Frosting: Mix 1 cup confectioners' sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and 1-2 tablespoons half-and-half until of spreading consistency. Spread frosting on cooled cookies.